It is physically impossible to make the Prius a manual because the electric motors do not use a normal transmission. The only way the electric motors and gas engine in a full hybrid can work together is automatically.

The Civic Hybrid, on the other hand, uses a normal transmission since the motors are integrated with the engine. So the 2006 HCH could have had a manual transmission, and in fact I think it does in other countries, or so I've heard.

 

I wonder if anyone is going to have someone ship a MT to america to retrofit into the 06 hybrids.

I'm thinking maybe they didn't release a MT because they know americans will use it for power and not for economy.

 

Hmmm. The comment about the Prius requiring an automatic transmission makes me wonder if, in adding the low-speed electric-only capability to the 2006 HCH, they have tied it with the transmission somehow. And so that it requires the CVT.

 

the thing i like about manual is that it pays gas for a year! or even two if your milage is good enough.

although sometimes i think to myself, "**** i'm too lazy to shift gears! should have coughed up that thousand for the auto"